Domestic Wool Slow,
Aussie Wools Higher

GREELEY, Colo. — (USDA) — Domestic wool trading continued slow last week, nearly at a standstill in many areas. Demand was narrow as most mills and processors continue to report light demand and lack of business for processed top or finished goods.

Shearing continues in all areas due to good weather with the majority of the wool being stored. Most processors continue to work shortened hours due to lack of business.

In Territory sales, Wyoming moved 34,000 pounds of 23-23.5 micron staple wool, bellies out and untied, in square packs, average to high yielding, at 50-54 cents grease; North Dakota sold 5000 pounds of 22.5 micron staple for 55 cents grease.

Texas sales included 43,000 pounds of 20.5-22 micron 12 month, original bag, ewe wool 2.8-3 inches at 40-49 cents; 40,000 pounds of adult mohair, 32-34 micron, brought $1. Midwest farm flock sales saw fine whiteface bring 20-30 cents, a few selected lots of at least three inches 35-40 cents, medium whiteface 10-20 cents, coarse whiteface 5-10 cents, blackface 5-10 cents; medium and fine lamb wool, 1.5-2.5 inches, was 5-15 cents, a few selected lots 18-22 cents.

In warehouse trading, 220,000 pounds total, medium lamb wool of 22-26.4 micron and 2.5 inches, brought 36 cents grease and 1.5-2 inch 32 cents; medium and burry, averaging 28-29 micron and 3-3.5 inches, was 65 cents clean, delivered to the processor.

Australia's market indicator completed the week 11 cents higher to close at 495A cents per kilo clean. A total of 90,132 bales were offered with clearance at 87 percent. Strong demand was noted on an increased supply of fine and superfine wools. In 21 micron futures contracts, grease, April closed at 536A, June 547A, August 559A and October 568A; 19 micron cash clean contracts for April were 779A, June 792A, August 793A, and October at 803A.

New Zealand's market indicator at Wellington advanced eight cents to close at 385NZ cents per kilo clean. Fine wool was not established ( the last sales were at 717NZ on February 11); lamb wool was down four at 329NZ, the strong indicator up 10 at 355NZ and medium wool down four at 318NZ. A total of 20,997 bales were offered and 32 percent passed in.